Political system

Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president and a head of state - the president. The Parliament is composed of 2 houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. The country is subdivided into 20 regions. 5 of these have a special autonomous status, enabling them to pass legislation on some local matters. Location on the EU map

Trade and economy

The most important sectors of Italy’s economy in 2016 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (20.9 %), industry (19.3 %) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (16.9 %).

Intra-EU trade accounts for 56% of Italy’s exports (Germany 13%, France 11% and United Kingdom and Spain 5 % each), while outside the EU 9% go to the United States and 5% to Switzerland.

In terms of imports, 61% come from EU Member States (Germany 16%, France 9% and the Netherlands 6%), while outside the EU 7% come from China and 4% from the United States.

Italy in the EU

European Parliament

Council of the EU

In the Council of the EU, national ministers meet regularly to adopt EU laws and coordinate policies. Council meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the Italian government, depending on the policy area being addressed.

Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Council of the EU doesn't have a permanent, single-person president (like e.g. the Commission or Parliament). Instead, its work is led by the country holding the Council presidency, which rotates every 6 months.

During these 6 months, ministers from that country's government chair and help determine the agenda of Council meetings in each policy area, and facilitate dialogue with the other EU institutions.

European Commission

The Commissioner nominated by Italy to the European Commission is Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

The Commission is represented in each EU country by a local office, called a "representation".

European Economic & Social Committee

Italy has 24 representatives on the European Economic and Social Committee. This advisory body – representing employers, workers and other interest groups – is consulted on proposed laws, to get a better idea of the possible changes to work and social situations in member countries.

European Committee of the Regions

Italy has 23 representatives on the European Committee of the Regions, the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives. This advisory body is consulted on proposed laws, to ensure these laws take account of the perspective from each region of the EU.

Permanent representation to the EU

Italy also communicates with the EU institutions through its permanent representation in Brussels. As Italy's "embassy to the EU", its main task is to ensure that the country's interests and policies are pursued as effectively as possible in the EU.

Budgets and Funding

How much does Italy contribute and receive?

Member countries' financial contributions to the EU budget are shared fairly, according to means. The larger your country's economy, the more it pays – and vice versa. The EU budget doesn't aim to redistribute wealth, but rather to focus on the needs of all Europeans as a whole.